Army Brutality: CHRAJ Recommends GHS 30,000 For 16-year-Old Victim

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has order the Ghana Armed Forces as a matter urgency pay a fine of Ghc30k to 16-year-old victim for brutalities meted out to him two years ago by some soldiers.

CHRAJ also recommended that the payment should be done through the Chief of Defense Staff, Ghana Armed Forces, and proof shown to the Commission within three (3) months following the date of the decision.

In a  statement, CHRAJ recommended that the Chief of Defence Staff, Ghana Armed Forces should take immediate steps to put the Respondents on trial in accordance with section 12(2) of the Armed Forces Act, 1962 (Act 105), and the GAF’s Code of Service Discipline.

”The Commission also recommended that the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces takes steps to ensure that Christopher Barmah undergoes thorough and comprehensive medical examination and and care in any of the Millitary Hospitals run by the Ghana Armed Forces and also Rehabilitate Christopher to enable him lead a meaningful life.” – session of the statement reads.

According to the law firm, As of 25th April, 2016 when the complaint was lodged with CHRAJ, Christopher Barmah was 16years and 8months old and hence was a child.

”It was also found that the brutalities suffered by Christopher took place on 1st April, 2016 and not 4th April, 2016. CHRAJ found that Christopher, was in fact subjected to brutalities and other dehumanizing acts by the Respondents and another at large on suspicion of him having stolen mobile phone. It was found further that the victim was “totally subordinated to the will and power” of the soldiers for seven (7) hours and that the brutalities meted out to Christopher Barmah was proscribed by Law.” – the statement added.

Background

On 4 April 2016, Christopher Barmah was alleged to have stolen a mobile phone by three military persons.

The military persons invited Mr Barmah into their barracks and tortured him in their attempt to get him to disclose the whereabouts of the stolen phone.

The victim petitioned CHRAJ to launch a full-scale human rights investigation into the conduct of the soldiers.